(1st update) The number of local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, that suspended classes at all levels for Friday, March 7, has increased due to the expected 40-degree Celsius heat index.
As of 9:25 pm on Thursday, March 6, the towns of Cauayan, Isabela, Binalbagan, and EB Magalona, along with the cities of Himamaylan, Victorias, Talisay, Silay, and the provincial capital Bacolod, issued executive orders suspending all classes at all levels.
Officials cited the forecasted 40-degree Celsius heat index, which falls under the “extreme caution” category, as the reason for the suspension.
Under this category, heat cramps and exhaustion are possible; and prolonged outdoor activity may lead to heat stroke.
Some LGUs explicitly stated that while in-person classes remain suspended, schools must implement alternative learning methods to ensure continuity.
However, this approach has previously raised concerns about its effectiveness. While class suspensions protect students from heat exhaustion, they also affect the quality of education.
The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier acknowledged that during emergencies, schools can use printed learning modules, but many students lack guidance at home.
Additionally, only a small fraction of students and teachers have the necessary technology for online classes.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.